PNG expresses its intention to host APEC in 2018

Papua New Guinea has expressed its intention to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in 2018.

Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, who has just attended this year's APEC Summit in Russia, has written to Australia's Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, saying PNG would be seeking assistance from Australia in its bid to host the meeting.

The Post Courier newspaper reports Mr O'Neill saying the logistical, security and administrative aspects are massive and he would need Australia's help.

In the letter he says this would particularly apply to infrastructure development, security, management, finance and planning.

The PNG Cabinet has endorsed the setting up of an APEC Office to ensure preparations are underway for the country to host APEC in 2018.

The office will be directly under the Chief Secretary to Government but separate from the Departments of Prime Minister, the National Executive Council and Foreign Affairs.